Egyptian Dental Journal 49. 1371 : 1379, July, 2003 REACTIONS TO TOOTH LOSS AMONG PARTIALLY DENTATE ADULTS IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA Ridwaan Omar,* Ramzi Turson,** Emad Al-Hadlaq*** and Riyadh F Akeel**** ABSTRACT Recent research has highlighted the emotional impact that tooth loss can have in some population groups. Since cultural traditions and lifestyle are known to influence peoples' attitudes, it is possible that reactions to tooth loss may be subject to cross-cultural variation. The aim of this study was to investigate the reactions to, and feelings about tooth loss among partially dentate people in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. One hundred consecutive partially dentate patients (64 males, 36 females), attending dental clinics at the College of Dentistry. King Saud University, and the Armed Forces Hospital, completed a questionnaire on a number of aspects pertaining to their feelings about tooth loss, its effects on their function and appearance, and their attitudes towards prosthodontic replacements, and also underwent a clinical examination. Frequencies of responses were analyzed by Chi squared (X~) tests, and differences between demographic and socio-economic factors, and number and location of missing teeth were investigated. Sixty-nine percent of the participants reported having no or little concern about the loss of their teeth, and these were significantly less restricted in daily-living activities than those who retained feelings of loss (P<0.05 to P<0.0001). The teeth that caused people the greatest sense of loss were the posteriors, and mainly for reasons of loss of chewing comfort, while appearance was considered unimportant by 66% of the group. Within sub-groups relating to number of missing teeth, there were a number of strongly significant correlations with loss of self-confidence, perception of appearance, and eating and social activities (P<0.0001). Within the limitations of the study design, the present sample seemed more accepting ot their loss and more concerned about the restoration of normal functional activities, which is in contrast with the deep emotional reactions to tooth loss reported in some Western populations. Key words: Tooth loss, emotional effect, partially dentate INTRODUCTION The loss of one or more natural teeth can result in aesthetic and functional disabilities that can sig- nificantly impact the social and daily-living activities of many people. (l,2) The physical effects of the resulting clinical condition have been widely in- vestigated and explained for both partially dentate and edentulous individuals. (3-5) Yet only relatively recently have peoples' feelings about, and their re- actions and adjustment to tooth loss received attention. (6-8) * Professor, Department of Prosthetic Dental Sciences. College of Dentistry, King, Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ** Resident. Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, King Fahacl National Guard Hospital. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. *** General Dentist. Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. **** Associate Professor. Department of Prosthetic Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry. King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.